Edward Davidson

Edward LaVern Davidson was born November 4, 1944, the 4th of 9 children to Jack and Caroline (Myers) Davidson in Colfax, Iowa. Ed grew up on the East side of Des Moines and was very proud to tell you that! Ed graduated from East High School in 1962 where his bowling skills manifested and led to league bowling. In later years he loved getting together with his classmates for their annual golf outing and dinner to reminisce about the good old days.

If you were in a car with him on I-235 he was going to point out his alma mater to you…. every time!

Ed met his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie Ray Reed, the Summer of 1968 in Des Moines. The two were joined in marriage on September 7, 1968 in Omaha, Nebraska. Ed and Bonnie moved back to her hometown of Corning to help care for her elderly grandfather and raise their 6 children. They had quite a houseful with 6 kids to manage and provide for. 13 years later, when they least expected it, number 7 joined the group.

Ed wore many hats besides husband, father, and grandfather, he was a delivery driver for Falstaff Beer, owned a grocery store/meat counter in Corning, and spent 37 wonderful years at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital where he supervised the Maintenance, Environmental Services, and Purchasing departments. During his hospital career Ed was a founding member of the Iowa Hospital Association, which allowed him and Bonnie to travel the U.S. representing Iowa. He was absolutely elated when he was voted President of the association by his peers.

Beyond his daily hospital job and even into his retirement, Ed also drove the Adams County Rescue for 43 years. This job had him up at 4 a.m. everyday, and he never once complained. Ed sure loved to help and care for people, and he could tell you where almost everyone lived in Adams County.

Ed loved being outdoors whether it was fishing, golfing, working in the garden, or sitting on the porch waiving at friends that drove by. Ed and Bonnie had an RV that they enjoyed taking to Lake Icaria, or to the casino in Osceola to spend their weekends meeting a couple of their kids, grandkids, or his siblings for a concert and slot machine lesson.

Over the years Ed was a member of the Corning Optimist Club, Adams County Fair Board, Corning Music Boosters, and Happy Hollow Country Club.

Recently Ed and Bonnie moved to Wesley on Grand in Des Moines where they quickly made new friends and reunited with family members and some old friends from “back home.” Ed was very excited to explore his “old stomping grounds” again by attending I-cubs games, strolling the botanical center, and getting a malt in Valley Junction. Everyday was an adventure for him as long as Bonnie was by his side.

Ed never knew a stranger and was the best greeter Walmart never hired! His personality, stories, and character will live on in our hearts forever.

Left to cherish Ed’s wonderful memories are his wife Bonnie, their children: Carolyn Freml, Patricia (Greg) Rudd, Deborah Davidson, Micheal (Laura) Davidson, Edward (Heidi) Davidson, and Jackie Yearington, Sister: Kathy Davidson, Brother-in-laws: Fred (Carol) Reed, John Wetzel, Sister-in-law: Charla Davidson, Son-in-law: Kevin Feske, 16 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ed are his parents: Jack and Caroline Davidson, In-laws: Ray and Nannette Reed, Daughter Kelli Feske, Son-in-law: Joseph Freml, Sisters: Karen Philips, Delores Stuve, Mary Peters, Cheryl Wheeler, Barbara Wetzel, Brothers: Thomas and Donald Davidson, Great-granddaughter: Elsie Ott, and Brother-in-law: John Reed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 PM, Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the Wesley on Grand Auditorium located at 3520 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312. Chaplain Tom Boomershine will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Adams County EMS. Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center of Corning is in charge of the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Wesley and Wesley Life Hospice for taking great care of Mr. Ed.